Meeting Minutes

December 5, 2017

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Michael Cobb led the flag salute.

Minutes:

Matthew R. moved and Jack G. seconded acceptance of minutes for November 28. Motion carried.

Announcements:

Debbie S. said the EDC export seminar was a success.

Kevin reminded the group that the Annual Christmas Party will be on Tuesday, Dec. 12 @ 7:00am, not 7:30am. Buffet is $12.00 per person. Let Kevin know as soon as possible if you are coming so that Joshua’s will have enough food.

PABA elections will be held on Dec. 12th at the party.

Nominations:

President: Matthew Rainwater

Vice-President: Carol Johnson

Secretary: Debbie Swanson

Treasurer: Jon Fager

Past President: Kevin

Board Members:

Jim McEntire

Julie Hatch

Paul Martin

Marc Abshire (Chamber)

Program

Representatives from the Port Angeles School District and PACE presented information and answered questions about the February 13, 2018 Capital Projects Levy.

First, a little bragging: Students and schools have received national recognition for the Music Programs and Career Technology Education programs.

Levy: A facilities committee has recommended going for small chunks of money since voters felt – last time – that $98 million was too much. Long range plans call for a three phase program to help build, rebuild and replace buildings at Stevens (2018), Franklin (2024) and High School (2030).

Stevens will involve inclusion of the 6th grade, new orchestra / band room, better access lane, cafeteria, gym, more bathrooms, handicap access and 14 new classrooms. By renovating and bringing building(s) up to code, the District won’t have to replace so often.

State Assistance, due to demolishing Monroe, will help pay for insulation, heating and asbestos removal. When a new building is finished, it will be occupied so that work can begin on the next new building. That will continue until all work is done. No portables are planned.

Franklin, the worst of the buildings, is heavily used by the public, so new construction will be away from the classrooms so building can be locked.

Hamilton’s new work will again feature finishing one building, occupying it and then going onto the next building.

PAHS’ gym and auditorium, which are used by the public, cannot be replaced at the same time. The High School has so many buildings that safety is a concern. There are too many doors to lock.

The levy of $46.7 million, needs only a simple majority, plus one, to pass, will come to $2.47 per $1,000 assessed property value. State assistance of $14 million will help with further modernization. McCleary cannot be used for facilities. Monroe, now gone, will be used for a field. Fairview is now off the market and will be used for storage. If PA school population grows, Roosevelt might become a middle school and Fairview would be another elementary.

Q & A:

Q: CLT or modular?
A: District is looking at longevity and will looking at CLT.

Q: Why now?
A: Timing is important. A $2.50 reduction in levy in 2019 will make 2017 softer.

Q: Square footage? $500 or $700?
A: District goes by numbers given them by the State. They have to go with those numbers when things go out for bid.

Q: Enrollment. Up or down? Kids vs. Retirees?
A: Enrollment is slowly going up and it is not only better to have rooms available but also to be able to offer small class sizes. It would cost about $350,000,000 to replace all buildings.

Q: Is there a Plan B?
A: District would have to go back to the drawing board and would probably have to use portables. Portables, which are about 2,000 sq. ft., cost about $200,000 each. Most sites do not have room for portables.

Q: Lack of timber harvest?
A: High bring it up as a selling point for the levy.